News

The  Argent Centre

The restoration works at the Grade II* listed Argent Centre on Frederick Street have now been revealed after a year long project learn more about this exciting new development here.

The Argent Centre is now accepting new tenants to learn more click here.

Built in 1862 as a pen factory for Mr W E Wiley, the building is now owned by Midlands Industrial Association Ltd who took on the building in 1984 and developed it to provide 37 managed workspaces for a diverse number of businesses. Midland Industrial Association Ltd’s developments are managed by Prince, Warnes Ltd.

In 2020, a restoration scheme to the façade was devised by Midlands Industrial Association Ltd’s managers Prince, Warnes Ltd who successfully obtained grant funding from the Jewellery Quarter Townscape Heritage programme, a National Lottery Heritage Fund scheme.   Local firm Oliver Architecture and contractors Midland Conservation Ltd delivered a thorough renovation of this landmark building alongside other Midlands based conservation crafts people including Jewellery Quarter- based Nick Bayliss (Architectural Glass) Ltd who repaired the windows on the property.

Specialist conservation works included repairs of the stone and brick work. In addition, works were undertaken to the roof and extensive repointing. This will help keep the building in a good condition for many more years.   The most notable change is the reinstatement of two corner turrets, based upon the original design for the building, with a new stainless-steel finial at the apex, manufactured by Oakham Fabrications, Cradley Heath, based on an 1863 image of the building. The turrets are lit at night which will further showcase the expert design and craftsmanship that went into not only the original design and construction but also this recent restoration.

Midlands Industrial Association Ltd said “we’re committed to the conservation of our buildings and we believe this project to be a shining example of what can be achieved. MIA are delighted with this phase of the work to develop this iconic Jewellery Quarter building into a space that businesses can feel proud to operate from. This significant investment in the building will safeguard it for years to come.”

We would like to thank all involved in bringing this project to fruition.

 

Cawarden Brick & Tile Co., Rugeley                    www.cawardenreclaim.co.uk

Frank W Haywood & Associates Ltd, Coventry    www.fwhayward.co.uk

Jewellery Quarter Townscape Heritage              www.jewelleryquarter.net

Midland Conservation Limited, Walsall               www.midlandconservation.com

Monarch Roofing Limited, Swindon                    www.monarchroofing.co.uk

National Lottery Heritage Fund                          www.nationalheritage.org.uk

Nick Bayliss (Architectural Glass) Ltd, JQ             www.baylissglass.co.uk

Oakham Fabrications, Cradley Heath                  www.oakhamfabrications.com

Oliver Architecture, Jewellery Quarter               www.oliver-architecture.co.uk

Peter Gunning & Partner QS, Stourbridge           www.pgandp.co.uk

Steane Electrical, Warwick                                 www.steane.net

Streamline Scaffold Solutions, Redditch             www.streamline-scaffold-solutions-ltd